DIY Cleaner To Disinfect Your Wood Cutting Boards

Wood cutting boards make a beautiful and functional addition to any kitchen. However, they also need to be taken care of so they could last a long time. Fortunately, caring for and maintaining wood cutting boards only requires a few simple steps and they’ll stay beautiful and functional for decades. Here are some tips to help keep your cutting boards clean and in perfect shape, including an easy DIY natural conditioner!

First off, make sure you clean and disinfect them regularly. Thus, after each use, use a cloth or paper towel to wipe off any food bits that remain on the surface. Then, clean the wood cutting boards with warm, soapy water. After cleaning, try to disinfect by fill a spray bottle with vinegar and liberally spray all over. Then, wipe again with a clean cloth or paper towel. Allow to air dry for 15 minutes before using again.

Secondly, oiling is a vital step in maintaining your wood cutting boards. Because the wood dries out over time, it can actually split if you don’t care for it. Thus, you should try regular oiling which only takes a few minutes. This is all you need to penetrate the wood. Make sure you do it before bed so it can sit overnight and do its magic.

Thus, with a soft rag, evenly distribute a generous amount of mineral oil onto the surface. Let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes, then use the rag to wipe off any remaining oil. You could also use a mixture of mineral oil and beeswax. Vegetable oils such as olive or sunflower will eventually go rancid, which is why they aren’t used for this purpose. Mineral oil will not go rancid and is safe to use on food surfaces.

Now, for the winner solution, try this simple DIY version at home:

– 1/4 cup beeswax
– 1 cup food-safe mineral oil

Melt the beeswax in a double boiler until it is becoming a liquid. Then stir in the mineral oil until combined. Pour the conditioner into a jar and let it cool completely. Once cool, dip a soft rag into the jar and oil your butcher block. Your DIY conditioner should be stored in a cool, dark location.